A Fate Worse Than Dragons

by John Moore

Book Overview

In an attempt to win the hand of Princess Gloria in marriage, Sir Terry slays a dragon-only to discover he's killed the dragon in a neighboring kingdom and inadvertently earned the devotion of the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 044101495X
• ISBN13: 9780441014958
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: Ace Books
• Length: 231 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 4.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Comes the Virginivorous Monster

She says 'Let's wait until we are married,' and then discovers that a virginivorous monster is nearby and suddenly changes her mind and can't wait to preconsummate their future marriage, and . . . . That is perhaps the funniest scene in this hilarious spoof of fairy tales (especially fairy tale cliches) No, this is not Moore's best; that distinction (so far) goes to The Unhandsome Prince, with Bad Prince Charlie and Heroics for Beginners very close seconds, but you'll still laugh your head off and be glad you bought A FATE WORSE THAN DRAGONS. Enjoy. watziznaym@gmail.com

What's the deal with virgins?

Terry the knight and Princess Gloria are in love. Terry slays a dragon to be able to marry Gloria as is the unwritten tradition of fantasy kingdoms - 'slay a dragon, marry the princess'. The problem is, the dragon wandered into a different kingdom with a different princess. Meanwhile, Gloria is informed of her arranged marriage to sliced-bread tycoon Roland. So Terry and Gloria come up with a kidnapping scheme to replace the dragon-slaying. Everything seems to be going good until a secondary botched kidnapping happens and now Terry must venture into the dangerous domain belonging to the Middle-Aged Man of the Mountains (seems the Old Man of the Mountain has retired). All-in-all, it's another fantasy parody put forth by John Moore and slides right into the format of his other comedic fantasy novels. It's a little slow to begin with but picks up half way through. There's even a parody of the great Wesley/Vizzini scene from "Princess Bride". It's a short book (230 pgs) and quick to read. There's also good debate on what the purpose is of always using virgins for evil schemes. You should laugh a few times and enjoy the story for what it is. Could have used a chapter at the end about Crazy Jane and 'Sir' Huggins though.

Satirical fairy tale!

Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (6/07) Sir Terry and Princess Gloria are in love, but Sir Terry does not make for a strong suitor financially so they must look to more resourceful ways to ensure the union. Plan A involves slaying the dragon, a feat that will earn Sir Terry the hand of the princess. This is no small task but Sir Terry is willing to do what it takes to "get the girl." Miraculously he manages to slay the dragon; however he has chased the dragon into the next kingdom, a kingdom whose princess "Crazy Jane" is well known for her habit of talking to dead animals. Not one to give up easily, Sir Terry pins the brave and noble undertaking on his assistant and carries on to Plan B (yet to be determined). After all, "getting stuck with the wrong girl is truly a fate worse than dragons!" In the meantime, Princess Gloria is to be wed (through an arranged marriage) to a son from the local baker family. They are a family famous for inventing sliced bread; an invention which has not gone over well due to the increased risks with so much surface area exposed. She panics and immediately devises Plan B. She will fake a kidnapping and Sir Terry will rescue her, this will surely result in his earning her hand in marriage. Well, as luck would have it things begin to go wrong immediately when her finance (who has incidentally never even met her) begins searching for her in the right direction. Terry must fake his interest in accompanying the man so he can keep an eye on him and get to the princess first. Things continue to go downhill from here as the princess truly does end up kidnapped. There is hope, however, when the finance falls for a cook in a local tavern. She is a cook who happens to have invented a way to toast the sliced bread, thereby ensuring safety to her patrons. He could not fall for a mere cook, however, but when he finds out who her family is, there is new hope. Now, if Sir Terry can bring the Princess to safety there may still be a chance for happily ever after. This is a fairy tale remember! "A Fate Worse Than Dragons" is a hilarious mix of modern day issues with traditional fairy tale scenery. Resourceful woman and struggling men bring new dynamics to the expectations of the reader; a new spin on an old classic! I have to admit I did a double take when I noted it was written by a man - a job well done in capturing and developing the female characters! This is a book that will appeal to anyone; after all, who isn't a sucker for a good, not quite old-fashion fairytale?!

Hilarity ensues

What happens when ordinary, intelligent, well-meaning people involve themselves in the affairs of princesses and magicians? This is not necessarily a tale of dashing heroics and amazing feats. This is fairy tales as acted by ordinary people.

Fun Stuff

Moore's book is a highly enjoyable diversion. A light, humorous and fast moving fantasy about a loyal and brave knight, a loyal and brave fop, beautiful (and maybe virginal) princesses, a beautiful cook, kidnappings real and staged, mistaken identitity, gryphons, dragons, wizards and toast-with butter and jam. Lots of fun to be had here.